As a non-profit human services provider, Cayuga Centers stays away from political activity and the like. Instead – with a very diverse work force that holds a wide spectrum of political viewpoints – we concentrate our energies on bringing quality interventions and supports to those we serve.
Having said this, current times force us to understand that commenting on pressing social and public health issues – particularly those rooted in racial divisions and inherent privilege based on race – is not a political activity. Rather standing up for the victimized is required of us.
We all need to be able to live safely – particularly in our own homes. We all need to be protected by social institutions – such as the police. Unfortunately in our current society, those of us who are people of color are deprived of the basics those of us who are white take for granted.
Breonna Taylor was murdered by police officers in her own home. For months, this was ignored. Then this last week, our legal system betrayed her by holding no one accountable for her murder.
This needs to change. An initial step is our remembering Breonna Taylor and insisting those who murdered her be held accountable.
On Tuesday, September 29th at 11:00 AM, all Cayuga Centers business will stop for five minutes while we hold Breonna Taylor in our hearts and ask ourselves how we can create a world where black lives matter.
For those who say we should be proclaiming “all lives matter”, I ask that you consider that many of our staff and consumers run a real risk of being shot – like Breonna Taylor was – while gently living their lives — while others do not. And the only difference is the color of our skin.
I hope you will join during our period of reflection on Tuesday.
Edward Myers Hayes
Cayuga Centers President & CEO
